Air AlgerieAH

Air Algerie is the flag carrier airline of Algeria, headquartered at Houari Boumediene International Airport in Algiers. Founded in 1947 as Compagnie Generale de Transports Aeriens (CGTA), the airline was nationalized in 1963 following Algeria's independence and renamed Air Algerie. Today, it is wholly owned by the Algerian government and serves as the country's primary international gateway.

Operating a fleet of over 55 aircraft including Boeing 737s, Airbus A330s, and ATR turboprops, Air Algerie connects Algeria with destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and North America. The airline serves over 55 international destinations and 32 domestic airports, making it essential for reaching Algeria's vast interior regions. Air Algerie is not a member of any global airline alliance but maintains codeshare agreements with several carriers.

Known for its extensive domestic network and strong European connections, Air Algerie carries approximately 6 million passengers annually. The airline serves a large diaspora community, particularly in France, with high-frequency routes to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and other French cities. Montreal is the sole North American destination, serving the Algerian-Canadian community.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (included on all fares):

• Dimensions: 16" x 12" x 6" (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
• Must fit under the seat in front of you
• Examples: Handbag, laptop bag, small personal item

Cabin Bag (included on all fares):

• Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 10" (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
• Total linear dimensions: 115 cm maximum
• Weight limit: 10 kg (22 lbs)
• Must fit in overhead bin

Fare Class	Personal Item	Cabin Bag
Economy	Yes	Yes (10 kg)
Business (Djurdjura)	Yes	Yes (10 kg)

Checked Baggage

Air Algerie uses the piece concept system. Allowances vary by route type and class.

Standard Size: 62 linear inches / 158 cm maximum (length + width + height)

Domestic Algeria:

Fare	Bags Included	Weight Limit
Economy	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)
Business	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Regional (Africa, Middle East):

Fare	Bags Included	Weight Limit
Economy	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)
Business	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Long-Haul (Europe, North America):

Fare	Bags Included	Weight Limit
Economy	2 bags	23 kg (50 lbs) each
Business	3 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Important Notes:

• Weight cannot be transferred between bags; limits apply per piece
• Infants (under 2 years) are entitled to 1 checked bag up to 10 kg
• Pre-purchasing excess baggage online offers savings versus airport rates

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Overweight Bags:

Weight	Fee
24-32 kg (51-70 lbs)	50 EUR ($55) per bag
Over 32 kg	Not accepted (must use cargo)

Oversized Bags:

Size	Fee
Over 158 cm but under 200 cm	75 EUR ($82)
Over 200 cm	Not accepted (cargo only)

Elite Status Benefits

Status	Additional Baggage
Air Algerie Plus Blue	Standard allowance
Air Algerie Plus Silver	+10 kg bonus
Air Algerie Plus Gold	+15 kg bonus
Air Algerie Plus Platinum	+20 kg bonus

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag, max 23 kg
Skis/snowboards	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Bicycle	80 EUR ($88)	Must be boxed, tires deflated
Surfboard	80 EUR ($88)	Contact airline for oversized boards
Car seat	Free	Does not count toward allowance
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
CPAP	Free	Carry in cabin
Wheelchair	Free	Checked at gate

Fees vary by route and currency. Verify current rates at airalgerie.dz/en/baggage/ before traveling.

Business Class (Djurdjura Class)

Long-Haul (Airbus A330):

• Lie-flat seats with 60" pitch
• Configuration: 2-2-2
• Individual entertainment screens
• Multi-course dining with Algerian and international cuisine
• Amenity kit
• Power outlets and USB at every seat
• Priority boarding and dedicated cabin service

Short/Medium-Haul (Boeing 737):

• Recliner seats with 38-40" pitch
• Enhanced meal service
• Priority boarding
• Lounge access at ALG

Economy Class

Long-Haul (Airbus A330-200):

• Seat pitch: 31-32" (79-81 cm)
• Seat width: 17-18" (43-46 cm)
• Personal entertainment screens
• USB and power outlets
• Two complimentary meals with choice
• Pillow and blanket provided

Short/Medium-Haul (Boeing 737-800):

• Seat pitch: 30-31" (76-79 cm)
• Configuration: 3-3
• Overhead screens
• Complimentary meal service on most routes
• Beverages including tea and soft drinks

Regional (ATR 72-600):

• Seat pitch: 30" (76 cm)
• Configuration: 2-2
• No in-flight entertainment
• Light refreshments on longer sectors

Entertainment

• Airbus A330: Personal seatback screens with films, TV shows, music, and games in Arabic, French, and English
• Boeing 737: Overhead monitors on most aircraft
• ATR: No entertainment system
• Content includes Algerian cultural programming, international films, and children's entertainment

Dining

All classes receive complimentary meals and beverages on most routes:

Class	Service
Business (Djurdjura)	Multi-course dining, premium beverages, Algerian specialties
Economy	Full meal service with choice, complimentary beverages

Meal Highlights:

• Algerian cuisine options including couscous, tagine, and traditional dishes
• Halal meals served as standard
• Special meals available (vegetarian, diabetic, medical) with 48-hour advance request
• Complimentary beverages including Algerian mint tea and soft drinks
• No alcohol served on Air Algerie flights

Booking

• Book directly at airalgerie.dz for easier changes and full cancellation options
• Compare prices in DZD, EUR, and other currencies; sometimes pricing differs
• Business Class (Djurdjura) offers good value on transatlantic Montreal route
• Join Air Algerie Plus before booking to earn miles from first flight

France-Algeria Routes

Air Algerie's greatest strength is its unmatched France-Algeria network:

• Paris (ORY/CDG): Multiple daily frequencies
• Lyon (LYS), Marseille (MRS), Toulouse (TLS): Strong schedules
• Lille (LIL), Bordeaux (BOD), Nice (NCE): Seasonal and year-round service
• Ideal for diaspora travel and business connections
• Often competitively priced versus Air France

At the Airport

• Algiers (ALG): Arrive early, especially for international departures; security can be slow
• Terminal 2 at ALG is the international terminal with Air Algerie lounges
• Bring all documentation including visa confirmation if required
• Currency exchange available but limited; bring EUR or USD for taxi/tips

Connections via Algiers

• ALG connects to 30+ domestic destinations, essential for reaching interior Algeria
• Minimum connection time is 90 minutes; allow 2+ hours for international-domestic connections
• No airside transit hotel; long layovers require entry to Algeria
• Visa requirements vary by nationality; check before booking connecting itineraries

Domestic Algeria Travel

• Air Algerie is the only practical option for reaching many Saharan destinations
• Tamanrasset (TMR), Adrar (AZR), Djanet (DJG) served by ATR turboprops
• Domestic fares are reasonably priced
• Book early for peak periods (summer, Ramadan, holidays)

Common Issues

• Online check-in may not work for all routes; have backup plan to check in at airport
• Carry-on weight limits (10 kg) are enforced; weigh bags before arriving
• No alcohol served onboard; plan accordingly for long flights
• Peak summer season sees high demand; book France-Algeria routes well in advance
• Some domestic routes have limited frequency; verify schedules carefully

Money-Saving Tips

• Economy fares to Europe include 2 checked bags; compare total cost versus competitors
• Pre-purchase excess baggage online for lower rates
• Air Algerie Plus miles promotions occasionally offer bonus earning
• Consider Oran (ORN) or Constantine (CZL) for France routes; sometimes cheaper than Algiers

Last updated: January 2025